ACF Condemns Fresh Violence In Jos, Says No Religion Allows Spilling Of Innocent Blood

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the destruction of 20 farms in Miango, Bassa local government area of Plateau and the reprisals on 22 innocent travelers who were on a journey from Bauchi to Ondo by mobs that blocked roads to unleash terror and violence.

The Forum’s position was contained in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, on Sunday.

It reads in part, “No religion – neither Christianity nor Islam- allows its followers to spill innocent blood.

“The security agencies must take their responsibilities seriously. Cases of a breach of the peace as we are witnessing on the Plateau must be investigated speedily and the culprits brought to book in the Courts of law.

“It is the only way to stop a breakdown of law and order in communities, the state of Plateau itself and the country,” he said.

According to the statement, since Governor Simon Lalong assumed duty in 2015, Plateau has been relatively peaceful with minimal violence.

But the recent trend is worrisome and must not be allowed to escalate any further.

“We were about to rejoice that Plateau has now become a peaceful state. What is happening in the state is a clear indication that hostilities have resumed and the bad old days of ‘tit for tat’ are back again on the Plateau.

“There are reports that 12 suspects have been apprehended. We call on the people of Plateau to remain calm. Religious and traditional leaders must impress on their people to exercise restraint and not take the laws in their hands.”